Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies, Journal (3 of 8)

Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies · Journal (3 of 8)

p. 73The weather was very fair and hot without rain, near six weeks.

The Lords Say and Brook wrote to the Governor and Mr. Bellingham, that howsoever they might have sent a man of war to beat down the house in Kenebeck for the death of Hoskins, &c. that they thought better to take another course, and therefore desired that some of ours might be joined with Capt. Wiggin their agent at Piscat. to see justice done, &c.

Six men of Salem going on fowling in a canoe,10 were overset near Kettle Island, and five of them drowned.

At the court of assistants complaint was made by some of the country,9ber viz. Richard Brown of Watertown in the name of the rest, that the ensign at Salem was defaced, viz. one part of the red cross taken out. Upon this an attachment was awarded against Richard Davenport, Ensign bearer to appear at the next court to answer. Much matter was made of this, as fearing it would be taken as an act of rebellion, or of like high nature, in defacing the King's colours: Though the truth were it was done upon this opinion, that the red cross was given to the King of England by the Pope, as an ensign of victory, and so a superstitious thing, and a relique of antichrist. What proceeding was hereupon, will appear after, at next court in the first month, for by reason of the great snows and frosts we used not to keep courts in the three winter months.

The Rebeccah came from Naragansett with 500 bushels of corn given to Mr. John Oldham. The Indians had promised him 100 bushels, but their store fell out less than they expected. They gave him also an Island, in the Naragansett Bay, called Chippaceersett, about six miles long and two broad. This is a very fair bay, being above twelve leagues square, with divers great Islands in it, a deep channel close to the shore, being rocky. Mr. Pierce took the height there, and found it 41.41. being not above half a degree to the southward of us. In p. 74his voyage to and fro, he went over the shoals, having most part 5 or 6 fathom, within half a mile and less of the shore from the North part of Cape Cod to Xatuckett Island,Nov. which is about 20 leagues, and in the shallowest place two and an half fathom. The country on the W. of the bay of Naragansett is all champain for many miles but very stony, and full of Indians. He saw there above 1000 men, women and children, yet the men were many abroad on hunting. Natuckett is an Island full of Indians, about 10 leagues in length E. and West.

There came to the Deputy Governor about 14 days since a messenger from the Pekod Sachem to desire our friendship, he brought two bundles of sticks wherewith he signified how many beaver and other skins he would give us for that end, and great store of Wampumpeague (about two bushels by his description) He brought a small present with him, which the deputy received, and returned a moose coat of as good value, and withal told him that he must send persons of greater quality, and then our Governor would treat with them. And now there came two men who brought another present of wampampeague, the deputy brought them to Boston where most of the assistants were assembled by occasion of the lecture, who calling to them some of the ministers, grew to this treaty with them: That we were willing to have friendship, &c. but because they had killed some Englishmen, viz. Capt. Stone &c. they must first deliver up such as were guilty of his death, &c. They answered, that the Sachem who then lived was slain by the Dutch, and all the men who were guilty were dead of the pox, except two, and that if they were worthy of death, they would move their Sachem to have them delivered (for they had no commission to do it) but they excused the fact, saying that Capt. Stone coming into their river, took two of their men and bound them, and made them shew him the way up the river, which when they had done, he with two others and the two Indians (their hand still bound) went on shore, and 9 of their men watched them, and when they were on shore in the night, they killed them, then going towards the pinnace to have taken that, it suddenly blew up into the air. This was related with such confidence and gravity, as having no means to contradict it, we were inclined to believe it, but the Governor not being present, we concluded nothing but some of us went with them the next day to the Governor.

The reason why they desired so much our friendship was because they were now in war with the Naragansetts, whom, till this year, they had kept under, and likewise with the Dutch, who had killed their old Sachem and some other of their men▪ p. 75for that the Pekods had killed some In…ians who came to trade with the Dutch at Connecticut, and by these occasions they could not trade safely any where,Nov. therfore they desired us to send a pinnace with cloths and we should have all their trade. They offered us also all their right at Connecticut, and to further us what they could if we would settle a plantation there.

When they came to the Governor, they agreed, according to the former treaty, viz. to deliver us the two men who were guilty o… Captain Stone's death, when we would send for them; to yield Connecticut; to give us 400 fathom of wampam, and forty beaver and thirty otter skins, and that we should presently send a pinnace with cloths to trade with them, but not to defend them, &c.

The next morning news came that two or three hundred of the Naragansetts were come to Cohan, viz. Naponsett, to kill the Pekod ambassadors, &c. Presently we sent out to Roxbury, and raised some few men in arms, and sent to the Naragansett men to come to us; when they came there were no more but two of their Sachems and about twenty men, who had been on hunting thereabouts and came to lodge with the Indians at Cohan, as their manner is, so we treated with them about the Pekods, and at our request they promised they should go and come to and from us in peace, and they were also content to enter further treaty of peace with them, and in all things shewed themselves very ready to gratify us; so the Pekods returned home, and the Naragansetts departed well satisfied; only they were told in private, that if they did make peace with the Pekods, we would give them part of that wampam, which they should give us (for the Pekods hold it dishonorable to offer them any thing as of themselves) yet were willing we should give it them, and indeed did offer us so much for that end. The agreement they made with us was put in writing, and the two ambassadors set their marks, one a bow with an arrow in it, and the other a hand.

The Regard a ship of Barnstable,13 of about two hundred tons arrived with twenty passengers and about fifty cattle.

One thing I think fit to observe as a witness of God's providence for this plantation. There came in this ship one Mansfield, a poor godly man of Exeter, being very desirous to come to us, but not able to transport his family: there was in the city a rich merchant, one Marshall, who being troubled in his dreams about the said poor man, could not be quiet till he had sent for him and given him 50l. and lent him 100l. willing him withal, that if he wanted, he should send to him p. 76for more. This Mansfield grew suddenly rich and then lost his godliness, and his wealth soon after.

Nov. 18About this time an open pinnace of one Mr. Sewal▪ of Ipswitch, going deep laden from Boston was cast away upon the rock at the head of Cape Anne, in a N. E. storm, but all the men were saved.

21One Willy a godly man, and member of Boston church, and one Doroty an honest man and two boys, going over to Noddle's island to fetch wood in a small boat, and none of them having any skill or experience, were cast away in a N. E. tempest as they came home in the night laden, being then ebbing water. We sent two boats on the Lord's day so soon as they were missing (being the 23d) but they could not find men, or boat, or wood, in any place of the bay. Three days after the boat was found at Muddy River overturned.

27The assistants met at the Governor's to advise about the defacing of the cross in the ensign at Salem, where (taking advice with some of the ministers) we agreed to write to Mr. Downing in England, of the truth of the matter, under all our hands, that if occasion were he might shew it in our excuse, for there we expressed our dislike of the thing, and our purpose to furnish the offenders, yet with as much wariness as we might, being doubtful of the lawfulness of the cross in an ensign, tho we were clear that the fact, as concerning the manner, was very unlawful.

It was then informed us how Mr. Eliot the teacher of the church of Roxbury had taken occasion in a sermon to speak of the peace made with the Pekods, and to lay some blame upon our measures for proceeding therein without consent of the people, and for other failings (as he conceived). We took order that he should be dealt with by Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Wilde, to be brought to see his error, and to heal it by some public explanation of his meaning, for the people began to take occasion to murmur against us for it.

It was likewise informed that Mr. Williams of Salem had broken his promise to us in teaching publicly against the King's patent, and our great sin in claiming righ… thereby to this country, &c. and for usual terming the churches of England Anti-Christian. We granted summons to him for his appearance at the next court.

The aforesaid three ministers upon conference with the said Mr. Eliot, brought him to acknowledge his error in that he had mistaken the ground of his doctrine▪ and that he did acknowledge that for a peace only (whereby the people were not to be engaged in a war) the magistrates might conclude, p. 77plebe inconsulto, and so promised to express himself in public next Lord's day.

One Scott and Eliot of Ipswich were lost in their way homewards, and wandere… up and down six days, and eat nothi…g;Nov. 24 at length they were found by an Indian being almost senseless for want of rest.

About the same time one was 21 days upon Plumb Island and found by chance frozen in the snow, yet alive and did well. He had been missing 20 days, and himself said he had no food all that time.

Was an extraordinary tempest of wind and snow at N. N. E. which continued 24 hours,Dec. 4 and after that such frost as within two days the whole bay was frozen over, but free again before night.

The lectures at Boston and Newtown returned again to their former course,11 because the weather was many times so tedious as people could not travel. This day after the lecture the inhabitants of Boston met to choose seven men who should divide the town lands among them. They chose by papers, and in their choice, left out Mr. Coddington and other of the chief men, only they chose one of the elders and a deacon, and the rest of the inferior sort. This they did, as fearing the richer men would give the poorer sort no great proportions of land, but would rather leave a great part at liberty for new comers and for common, which Mr. Winthrop had often persuaded them unto as best for the town, &c. Mr. Cotton and divers others were offended at this choice, because they declined the magistrates; and Mr. Winthrop refused to be one upon such an election as was carried by a voice or two, telling them that tho for his part he did not apprehend any personal injury, nor did doubt of their good offering towards him, yet he was much grieved that Boston should be the first who should shake off their magistrates, especially Mr. Coddington who had been always so forward for their enlargement; adding further reason for declining this choice, to blot out so bad a precedent, whereupon▪ at the motion of Mr. Cotton who shewed them that it was the Lord's order among the Israelites to have all such business committed to the elders, and that it had been never the rule to have chosen some of each sort, &c. They all agreed to go to a new election, which was refered to the next lecture day.

The reason why some were not willing that the people should have more land in the bay than they might be likely to use in some reasonable time, was partly to prevent the neglect of trade and other more necessary employments, and partly that p. 78there might be place to receive such as should come after; seeing it would be very prejudicial to the Commonwealth, if men should be forced to go far off for land,Dec. while others had much, and could make no use of it more than to please their eye with it.

One Abigail Gifford, widow, being kept at the charge of the parish of Wilsden in Middlesex near London, was sent by Mr. Ball's ship into this country, and being found to be sometimes distracted, and a very burdensome woman, the Governor and assistants returned her back by warrant, to the same parish, in the ship Rebecca.18

22A fast was kept by the church of Charlestown, and Mr. Symes chosen their teacher.

By a letter from Plimouth it was certified that the Dutch of Hudson's River had been at Connecticut, and came in warlike manner to put the Plimouth men out of their house there, but when they stood upon their defence, they departed, without offering any violence.

11 Mo.The church of Boston kept a day of humiliation for the absence of their pastor and other brethren gone to England,13 and like to be troubled and detained there, and for that the Lord had made a breach upon them by those four which were drowed, as is before set down: at which fast M. Cotton preached out of Numbers xxxv.13. and one of the members taught out of that in Samuel iii.39.—Wherefore doth a living man complain?

All the ministers except Mr. Ward of Ipswich, met at Boston,19 being requested by the Governor and assistants, to consider of these two cases. 1. What ought to be done if a general Governor should be sent out of England? 2. Whether it be lawful for us to carry the cross in our banners? In the first case they all agreed that if a General Governor were sent, we ought not to accept him, but defend our lawful possessions (if we were able) otherwise to avoid or protract. For the matter of the cross they were divided, and so defered it to another meeting.

About the middle of this month, Mr. Allerton's pinnace came from the French about Port Royal; they went to fetch the two men which had been carried by the French from Machias, and to demand the goods taken. But Mr. La Tour made them answer, that he took them as lawful prize, and that he had authority from the King of France, who challenged all from Cape Sable to Cape Cod, wishing them to take notice and to certify the rest of the English that if they traded to the east of Pennaquid he would make prize of them. Being desired p. 79to shew his commission, he answered, that his sword was commission sufficient where he had strength sufficient to overcome; where that wanted he would shew his commission.Mo. 11.

In the end of this month three men had their boat frozen up at Bird's-Island, as they were coming from Deer-Island, so as they were compelled to lodge there all night, and in the morning they came over the ice to Noddle's-Island, and thence to Molten's point in Charlestown, and thence over the ice by Mr. Hoffe's to Boston. At the same time six others were kept a week at the Governor's garden, and in the end got with their boat to Mattahan point; for near all that time there was no open place between the garden and Boston, neither was there any passage at Charlestown for two or three days, the wind about the N. W. three weeks with much snow and extreme frost.

About the middle of this month a promp young man,Mo. 12. servant to Mr. Bellingham, passing over the ice to Winesemitt, fell in and was drowned. Divers others fell in in that and other places, but by God's providence were saved.

Capt. Wiggin,14 Governor at Piscat. under the Lords Say and Brook, wrote to the Governor, desiring to have two men tried here who had committed sodomy with each other, and that on the Lord's day in time of public exercise. The Governor and divers of the assistants met and confered about it, but did not think fit to try them here.

A general court at Newtown, Mr. Hooker preached,Mo. 1.4▪ and shewed the three great evils.

At this court one of the deputies was questioned for denying the magistracy among us, affirming that the power of the Governor was but ministerial, &c. and had also much opposed the magistrates and stigmatized them, and used many weak arguments against the negative voice, as himself acknowledged upon record. He was adjudged by all the court to be disabled for three years from bearing any public office.

One of the assistants was called to the lower end of the table to answer for refusing to pay towards a rate made by the court, and was fined 5l. which was after released.

Mr. Endicott was called to answer for defacing the cross in the ensign, but because the court could not agree about the thing, whether the ensign should be laid by, in regard that many refused to follow them, the whole cause was deferred till the next general court, and the commissioners for military affairs, gave order in the mean time, that all the ensigns should be laid aside, &c.

p. 801635.At this court brass farthings were forbidden, and musket bullets made to pass for farthings. A commissioner for military affairs was established who had power of life and limb, &c.

15Two of the elders of every church met at Sagus and spent there three days. The occasion was that divers of the brethren of that church not liking the proceedings of the pastor, and withal making question whither they were a church or not, did separate from church communion. The pastor and other brethren desired the advise and help of the rest of the churches, who not thinking fit to judge of the cause without hearing the other side, offered to meet at Sagus about it. Upon this the pastor, &c. required the separate members to deliver their grievances in writing, which they refusing to do, the pastor, &c. wrote to all the churches, that for this cause they were purposed to proceed against them as persons excommunicated, and therefore desired them to stay their journey, &c. This letter being read at a lecture at Boston (where some of the elders of every church were present) they all agreed, with consent of their churches, to go presently to Sagus to stay this hasty proceeding;—accordingly being met, and both parties (after much debate) being heard, it was agreed, that they were a true church, tho not constituted at first in due order, yet after consent and practice of a church estate, had supplied that defect, and so all were reconciled.

Mo. 2Some of our people went to Cape Cod and made some oil of a whale which was cast on shore: There were three or four cast up as it seems there is almost every year.

26An alarm was raised in all our towns, and the G…vernor and assistants met at Boston, and sent forth a shallop to Cape Anne, to discover what ships were there, for the fishermen had brought in word to Marblehead, that two ships had been heaving upon the coast all the day; one of about 400 tons, and the other 350, and were gone in to Cape Anne, but it proved to be only one ship of 80 tons, bound for Richman's isle, and the other a small pinnace of 10 tons.

30The Governor and assistants sent for Mr. Williams▪ the occasion was for that he had taught publicly, that a magistrate ought not to tendre an oath to an unregenerate man, for that we thereby have communion with a wicked man in the worship of God, and cause him to take the name of God in vain. He was heard before all the ministers, and very clearly confessed. Mr. Endicott was at first of the same opinion, but gave place to the teacher.

Mo. 3.6A general court was held at Newtown, when John Haynes Esq. was chosen Governor, Richard Bellingham Esq. deputy p. 81Governor, and Mr. Hough and Mr. Dummer chosen assistants to the former; and Mr. Ludlow the late deputy left out of the magistracy.Mo. 3.6 The reason was partly because the people would exercise their absolute power, and partly upon some speeches of the deputy who protested against the election of the Governor as void: for that the deputies of the several towns had agreed upon the election before they came. But this was generally distrusted, and the election adjudged good.

Mr. Endicott was also left out and called in question about the defacing the cross in the ensign, and a committee was chosen, viz. every town chose one (which yet were voted by all the people) and the magistrates chose four, who taking the charge to consider of the offence, and the censure due to it▪ and to certify the court, after one or two hours they made report to the court, that they found his offence to be great, viz. rash and without discretion, taking upon him more authority than he had, and not seeking advice of the Court, &c.—unwarrantable in that he, judging the cross to be a sin, did content himself to have reformed it at Salem, not taking care that others might be brought out of it also; laying a blemish also upon the rest of the magistrates, as if they would suffer idolatry, and giving occasion to the state of England, to think ill of us:— for which they adjudged him worthy admonition and to be disabled for one year from bearing any public office; declining any heavier sentence, because they were persuaded he did it out of tenderness of conscience and not of any evil intent.

Some petitions of grievances were tendered to the court in the begining of it, but the court refused to hear any, or to meddle in any causes but making freemen, until the election were passed. The Governor and deputy were elected by papers wherein their names were written, but the assistants were chosen by papers without names, viz. the Governor propounded one to the people when they all went out and came in at one door, and every man delivered a paper into a hat,—such as gave their vote for the party named, gave in a paper with some figure or scroll in it▪ others gave in a blank. The new Governor in his speech to the people declared his purpose to spare their charge towards his allowance this year, partly in respect of their love shewed towards him, and partly for that he observed how much the people had been pressed lately with public charges, which the poorer sort did much groan under.

A petition was prefered by many of Dorchester for releasing the sentence against Mr. Stoughton the last general court, but it was rejected, and the sentence affirmed by the country to be just. Divers jealosies that had been between the magistrates p. 82and deputies were now cleared with full satisfaction to all parties.

Mo. 3.The matter of altering the cross in the ensign was refered to the next meeting (the court being adjourned three weeks) it being propounded to turn it to the red and white rose, and every man was to deal with his neighbours to still their minds, who stood so stiff for the cross, until we should fully agree about it, which was expected because the ministers had promised to take prayers about it, and to write into England to have the judgement of the most wise and godly there.

The deputies having conceived great danger to our state, in regard that our magistrates, for want of positive laws, in many cases, might proceed according to their discretions, it was agreed that some men should be appointed to frame a body of grounds of laws, in resemblance of a Magna Charta, which being allowed by some of the ministers, and the general court should be received for fundamental laws.

At this general court some of the chief of Ipswich desired leave to remove to Quafcacunquen to begin a town there, which was granted them, and it was named Newberry. Also Watertown and Roxbury had leave to remove whither they pleased so as they continued under this government. The occasion of their desire to remove was, for that all towns in the Bay began to be much straightened by their own nearness to one another, and their cattle being so much increased.

21A Dutch ship of 160 tons arrived at Marblehead, Capt. Hurlston came merchant. She came from Christopher Island; she brought 140 tons of salt, and 10,000 wt. of tobacco. This Island lies in 188 and is about 30 miles in compass; inhabited by two colonies, one English and another French. There is in it about 4,000 persons, they have three English churches, but the people are very wicked as this merchant (who dwelt there five years) complained. The salt is made with the sun in a watering pan half a mile from the sea. Their rain begins in September and continues till February.

Mo. 4.There arrived two Dutch ships which brought 27 Flanders mares at 34l. a mare, and three horses,—63 heifers at 12l. the least, and 88 sheep at 50s. the sheep. They came from the Tessell in 5 weeks 3 days, and lost not one beast or sheep. There arrived also the same day the James a ship of 300 tons with cattle and passengers which came all safe from S. Hampton within the same time.… Mr. Graves was master, who had come every year for these seven years.7 The Lord's day there came in seven other ships, and one to Salem, and four more to p. 83the mouth of the bay with store of passengers and cattle. They came all within six weeks.

For preventing the loss of time and drunkeness which some times happened, by peoples running to the ships,Mo. 4. and the excessive prices of commodities, it was ordered that one in each town should buy for all, and should return the same within 20 days at 5 per 100, if any came to buy in that time. But this took no good effect, for most of the people would not buy except they might buy for themselves, and the merchants appointed could not disburse so much money, and the seamen were much discontented, yet some of them brought their goods on shore and sold them there.

A bark of 40 tons arrived set forth with 20 servants by Sir Richard Saltonstall to go plant at Connecticut.16 By a letter from the Lord Say and report of divers passengers, it was certified to us, that Capt. Mason and others the adversaries of this colony had built a great ship to send over the general Governor, &c. which being launched fell asunder in the midst. It appeared likewise by a copy of a petition sent over to us, that they had divided all this country of New-England, viz. between St. Croix in the East, and that of Lord Baltimore called Maryland, into twelve provinces, disposed to twelve in England, who should send each ten men to attend the general Governor coming over; but this proved not effectual, the Lord frustrated their design.

Two carpenters going to wash themselves in the river between Mount Woollaston and Wessagasus, where carried away with the tide and drowned.

Mr. Graves in ths James,June 24 and Mr. Hodges in the Rebecca set sail for the Isle of Sable for sea-horse which are there in great number, and wild cows. Mr. John Rose being cast ashore there in the two years since, and making a small pinnace of the wreck of his ship, sailed thence to the French upon the main, being 30 leagues off, by whom he was detained prisoner, and forced to pilot them to the Island where they had great store of sea-horse and cattle, and some black foxes, and they left 17 men upon the Island to inhabit it. The Island is 30 miles long, two miles broad in most places, a meer sand, yet full of fresh water ponds, &c. He saw about 800 cattle small and great, all red, and the largest he ever saw, and many foxes, whereof some perfect black. There is no wood upon it, but store of wild pease and flags by the ponds, and grass. In the middle of it is a pond of salt water ten miles long, full of plaice, &c. The p. 84company which went now, carried 12 landmen, 2 mastiffs, a horse and a shallop.

Aug. 26.They returned from their voyage. They found there upon the Island 16 Frenchmen who had wintered there, and built a little fort, and had killed some black foxes; they had killed also many of the cattle, so as they found not above 140, and but two or three calves. They could kill but 5 sea-horse by reason they were forced to travel so far in the sand as they were too weak to stick them, and they came away at such time as they used to go up heights to eat green pease. The winter there is very cold, and the snow above knee deep.

Mo. 5.8.At the general court Mr. Williams of Salem was summoned and did appear. It was laid to his charge, that being under question before the magistracy and churches for divers dangerous opinions, viz. 1. That the magistrate ought not to furnish the breach of the first table otherwise than in such cases as did disturb the civil peace. 2. That he ought not to tendre an oath to an unregenerate man. 3. That a man ought not to pray with such, tho wife, children, &c. 4. That a man ought not to give thanks after the sacrament nor after meat, &c. and that the other churches were about to write to the church of Salem to admonish him of these errors; notwithstanding the church had since called him to the office of a teacher. Much debate was about these things. The said opinions were adjudged by all, magistrates and ministers (who were desired to be present) to be erroneous and dangerous, and the calling of him to …ce at that time, was judged a great contempt of authority: So in fine there was given to him and the church of Salem to consider of these things till the next general court, & then either to give satisfaction to the court, or else to expect the sentence. It being professedly declared by the ministers (at the request of the court to give their advice) that he who should obstinately maintain such opinions (whereby the church might run into heresy, apostacy, or tyranny, and yet the civil magistrate could not intermeddle) were to be removed, and that the other churches ought to request the magistrates so to do.

At this court Wessagascus was made a plantation, and Mr. Hall a minister and 21 families with him allowed to sit down there: after called Weymouth. A plantation was likewise erected at Bear Cove, after called Kingham.

12Mr. Luxon arrived here in a small pinnace; he fished at the Isle of Shoals as he had done many years, and returned to sell his fish at market, was taken in foggy weather and carried into the bay of Portroyal, and there wrecked upon a small p. 85Island about leagues from the main; so he built a pinnace and came hither in her.

Salem men had preferred a petition at the last general court for some land on Marblehead Neck, which they did challenge as belonging to their town, but because they had chosen Mr. Williams their teacher while he stood under question of authority, and so offered contempt to the magistrates, &c. their petition was refused till, &c. Upon this the church of Salem wrote to other churches to admonish the magistrates of this as a heineous sin, and likewise the deputies; for which at the next general court their deputies were not received until they should give satisfaction about the letter.

The wind having blown hard at S. S. W. a week before,Mo. 6.15. about midnight it came up at N. E. and blew with such violence with abundance of rain, that it blew down many hundreds of trees, overthrew some houses, drove the ships from their anchors. The Great Hope of Ipswich being, about 400 tons, was driven on ground at Mr. Hoffe's point, and brought back again presently by a N. W. wind, and came on shore at Charlestown. About 8 o'clock the wind came about to N. W. very strong, and it being then about high water, by nine the tide was fallen about three feet, then it began to flow again about one hour, and arose about two or three feet, which was conceived to be that the sea was grown so high with the N. E. wind, that meeting with the ebbe, it forced it back again. In this tempest the James of Bristol, having 100 passengers, honest people of Yorkshire, being put into the Isle of Shoals, lost there three anchors, and setting sail no canvass nor ropes would hold, but she was driven within a cables length of the rocks of Piscat. when suddenly the wind coming to N. W. put them back to the Isle of Shoals, and being there ready to strike upon the rocks, they cut out a piece of their mainsail, and weathered the rocks. In the same tempest a bark of Mr. Allerton's was cast away upon Cape Anne, and 21 persons drowned; among the rest one Mr. An…ey, a minister in Wiltshire a Godly man, with his wife and six small children were drowned. None were saved but one Mr. Thatcher and his wife who were cast on shore and preserved by a powder horn and a bag with a …lint, and a goat and a cheese cast on shore after them, and a truss of bedding and some other necessaries: and the third day after a shallop came thither to look for another shallop which was missing in the storm, and so they were preserved:—So as there did appear a miraculous providence in their preservation. The general court gave Mr. Thatcher £26: 13: 4: towards his losses, and divers good people gave him besides. The p. 86man was cast on shore when he had been (as he supposed) a quarter of an hour beaten up and down by the waves, not being able to swim one stroke,Mo. 6. and his wife fitting in the scuttle of the bark, the deck was broke off and brought on shore as she stuck in it. One of the children was then cast dead on shore, and the rest never found.

At this time a French ship came with commission from the King of France (as they pretended) and took Penobscott a Plimouth trading house, and sent away the men which were in it, but kept their goods and gave them bills for them, and bade them tell all the plantations as far as 40° that they would come with 8 ships next year and displant them all. But by a letter which the Capt. wrote to the governor of Plimouth, it appeared they had commission from Mons. Roselle commander of the fort near Cape Breton, called la Havre, to displant the English as far as Pemaquid, and by it they professed all coutresy to us here.

Mr. Williams pastor of Salem being sick and not able to speak, wrote to his church a protestation that he could not communicate with the churches in the Bay, neither would …e communicate with them except they would first refuse communication with the rest, but the whole church was much grieved herewith.

The Dorchester men being set dow at Connecticut near the Plimouth trading house, the Governor, Mr. Bradford wrote to them, complaining of it as an injury in regard of their possession and purchase of the Indians whose right it was, and the Dutch sent home into Holland for commission to deal with our People at Connecticut.

Sept. 1.At this general court was the first grand jury, who presented above 100 offences, and among others, some of the magistrates. At this court Mr. Endicott made a protestation in justification of the letter formerly sent from Salem to the other churches against the magistrates and deputies, for which he was committed, but the same day he came and acknowledged his fault and was discharged.

Divers lewd seavants (viz. six) ran away and stole a skiff and other things. A commission was granted at the general court to Capt. Trask to fetch them and other such from the Eastward. He pursued them to the Isle of Shoals, and so to Piscat▪ where, in the night he surprised them in a house, and brought them to Boston. At next court they were severely whipped, and ordered to pay all charges. At this court there was granted to Mr. Buckly and Merchant, and about 12 more families to begin a town at Musketaquid for which they p. 87were allowed six miles upon the river and to be free from public charges three years, and it was named Concord. A town was also began above the falls of Charles river.Sept.

At the Dutch plantation this summer a ship's long boat was overset with a gust, and five men in her who got upon the keel and were driven to sea four days, in which time three of them dropt off and were drowned; and the 5th day the 4th being sore beaten and parched with hunger and thirst, wilfully fell off and was drowned. Soon after the wind came up at S. E. and carried the boat with the 5th man to the Long-Island, and being only able to creep on shore, he was found by the Indians and preserved. He was grown very poor and almost senseless with hunger and watching, and would say that he saw such and such come to give him meat, &c.

The Plimouth men had hired the Great Hope to go to displant the French and regain their possession at Penobscott. The master Mr. Grig was to have for it 200l. they sent her back with him and about 20 men, but when they came they found the French had notice, and had so strongly entrenched themselves, (being 18) as having spent near all their powder and shot, the bark left the ship there, and came here to advise with us what furthor to do; for they had lately lost another bark laden with corn, and could not spare this to send back again. The general court being assembled, agreed to aid them with men and ammunition, and therefore wrote to them to send one with commission to treat with us about it, resolving to drive them out whatsoever it should cost (yet first to put them to bear the charge if it might be) for we saw that their neighbourhood would be very dangerous to us.—The next week they sent Mr. Pierce and Capt. S— to us with commission to treat. Four of the commissioners gave them a meeting which grew to this issue; that they refused to deal further in it otherwise than as a common cause of the whole country, and so to contribute their part. We refused to deal in it otherwise than as their aid, and so at their charge, for indeed we had no money in the treasury, neither could we get provision of victuals on the sudden for 100 men which were to be employed, so we defered all to further counsel.

Two shallops going laden with goods to Connecticut,Mo. 8 6 were taken in the nig… with an Easterly storm, and cast away upon Brown's Island, near the Gurnett's nose, and the men all drowned.

Here arrived two great ships the Defence and the Abigail, with Mr. Wilson pastor of Boston, and Mr. Shepard, Mr. Jones and other ministers. Amongst others Mr. Peters pastor p. 88of the English church in Rotterdam, who being persecuted by the English ambassador who would have brought his and other churches to the English discipline;Mo. 8▪ and not having had his health the…e many years, intended to advise with the minister… here about his removal.

There came also John Winthrop the younger with commission from the Lord Say. Lord Brook and divers other great persons in England to begin a plantation at Connecticut, and to be Governor there; they sent also men and ammunition and 2,000l. in money to begin a fortification at the mouth of the river. There came also one Mr. Henry Vane, son and heir to Sir Henry Vane comptroller of the King's house, who being a young gentleman of excellent parts, and had been employed by his father (when he was ambassador) in foreign affairs, yet being called to the obedience of the gospel, he forsook the honours and preferm…nts of the court to enjoy the ordinances of Christ in their purity here. His father being very averse to this way (as no way favouring the power of religion) would hardly have consented to his coming hither, but acquainting the King with his son's disposition and desire, he commanded him to send him hither, and gave him licence for three years stay here.

The special providence of the Lord appeared in this▪ that the passengers came safe and hale in all ships, tho some of them long passages, the Abigail ten weeks from Plimouth with 220 persons and many cattle, infected also with the small pox, yet, &c.

This noble gentleman having order from the said Lords and others, treated with the magistrates here and those who were … go to Connecticut, about the said design of the Lords, to this issue, that either the three towns gone thither should give place upon full satisfaction, or else sufficient room must be found there for the Lords and their companies, &c. or else they would divert their thoughts and preparations some other ways.

Nov. 1.Mr. Vane was admitted a member of the church of Boston. At the general court Mr. Williams the teacher of Salem was again convented, and all the Ministers in the bay being desired to be present, he was charged with the said two letters, that to the churches complaining of the magistrates for injustice, extreme oppression, &c. and the other to his own church to p…rsuade them to renounce communion with all the churches in the bay, as full of antichrist, polution, &c. He justified both those letters, and maintained all his opinions, and being offered further conference or di…putation and a months respi…, he chose to dispute presently; so Mr. Hooker was appointed … p. 89dispute with him, but could not reduce him from any of his errors, so the next morning the court sentenced him to depart out of our jurisdiction within six weeks;Mo. 4. all the ministers save one, approving the sentence, and his own church had him under question also for the same cause, and he, at his return home, refused communion with his own church, who openly disclaimed his errors, and wrote an humble submission to the magistrates, acknowledging their fault in joining with Mr. Williams in that letter to the churches against them,8ber 15 &c.

About 60 men women and little children went by land towards Connecticut with their cows, heifers and swine, and after a tedious and difficult journey, arrived safe there.

The Pinnace which Sir Richard Saltonstall sent to take possession of a great quantity of land at Connecticut was, in her return to England, cast away upon the Isle Sable; the men were kindly entertained by the French there, and had passage to la Havre, some 20 leagues of east of Cape Sable, where Mon. commander of Roselle, was Governor, who entertained them very courteously, and furnished them with a shallop to return to us, and gave four of their company passage into France, but made them pay dear for their shallop, and in their return they put into Penobscot, at such time as Girlings ship lay there, so that they were kept prisoners there till the ship was gone, and then sent to us with a courteous le…ter to our Governor. A little before, our Governor had written to him (viz. Mons. D' Aulnay) to send them home to us, but they were come before.

It is useful to observe, as we go along, such special providences of God, as were manifested for the good of these plantations.—Mr. Winslow the late Governor of Plimouth, being this year in England, petitioned the council there for a commission to withstand the intrusions of the French and Dutch, which was likely to take effect (though undertaken by ill advice, for su…h precedents might endanger our liberties, that we should … nothing hereafter but by commission out of England) but the Archbishop being incensed against him, as against all these plantations, informed the rest that he was a separatist, &c. and that he did marry, &c. and thereupon got him committed; but after some few months he petitioned the board and was discharged.

Another providence was in the voyage of Mr. Winthrop the younger, and Mr. Wilson into England, who returning in the winter time, in a small and weak ship, bound for Barnstable, were driven by foul weather upon the coast of Ireland, not known by any in the ship, and were brought through many desperate dangers into Galloway, where they parted, Mr. Winthrop p. 90taking his journey over land to Dublin, and Mr. Wilson by sea, and being come within sight of Lundy, in the mouth of Severn, they were forced back by tempest to Kinsale, where some ships perished in their view. Mr. Wilson being in Ireland, gave much satisfaction to the christians there about N. England. Mr. Winthrop went to Dublin and from thence to Antrim in the North, and came to the house of one Sir John Clatworth, the evening before the day when divers godly persons were appointed to meet at his house, to confer about their voyage to N. England, by whom they were thoroughly informed of all things, and received great encouragement to proceed on their intended course. From thence he passed over into Scotland, and so through the North of England, and all the way he met with persons of quality whose thoughts were towards N. England, who observed his coming among them as a special providence of God.9ber 3

At the court of assistants John Pratt of Newtown was questioned about the letter he wrote into England, wherein he affirmed divers things which were untrue and of ill report, for the state of the country, as there was nothigg but rocks and sands and salt marshes, &c. He desired respite for his answer to the next morning, then he gave it in writing, in which, by making his own interpretation of some passages, and acknowledging his error in others, he gave satisfaction. This was delivered in under his own hand and the hands of Mr. Hooker and some other of the ministers, and satisfaction acknowledged under the hands of the magistrates.

Mr. Winthrop the Governor, appointed by the Lords for Connecticut, sent a bark of 30 tons and about twenty men, with all needful provisions to take possession of the mouth of Connecticut,9 and to begin some building.

About this time an open pinnace returning from Connecticut was cast away in Manemett bay, but all the men (being six) were saved and came to Plimouth, after they had wandered 10 days in extreme cold and deep snow, not meeting with any Indian or other person.26

There came twelve men from Connecticut, they had been ten days upon their journey and had lost one of their company drowned in the ice by the way, and had been all starved. but that by God's grovidence they lighted upon an Indian wigwam. Connecticut river was frozen up the 15th of this month.

Mr. Hugh Peters preaching at Boston and Salem, moved the country to raise a stock for fishing, as the only probable means to save us from that oppression which the seamen and others held us under

p. 91Here arrived a small bark of 25 tons sent by the Lords Say, &c. with one Gardiner an expert engineer or work base and provisions of all sorts to begin a fort at the mouth of Connecticut. She came through many great tempests,9ber 28 yet through the Lord's great providence, her passengers and goods all safe. Mr. Winthrop had sent four days before, a bark with carpenters and other workman to take possession of the place (for the Dutch intended to take it) and to raise some buildings.

A great shallop coming from Piscat. in a N. E. wind with snow, lost her way and was forced into Anasquam, and going out with a N. W. wind, thro the unskilfulness of the men, was cast upon the rocks and lost 100l. worth of goods.

A shallop of William Lovell, laden with goods to Salem, worth 100l. was by foul weather put into Plimouth, and coming out, the men went aboard a small bark by the way, and their shallop brake loose and was lost, and about two months after was found about Nawset, not much hurt, and the goods were most of them saved by some Plimouth men, who had notice of it by the Indians.

The ship Rebecca, about 60 tons,10ber 10 came from Connecticut and brought in her about seventy men and women, which came down to the river's mouth to meet the barks which should have brought their provisions, but not meeting them they went aboard the Rebecca, which two days before was frozen 20 miles up the river, but a small rain falling, set her free▪ but coming out she ran on ground at the mouth of the river and was forced to unlade. They came to Massachusetts in five days, which was a great mercy of God, for otherwise they had all perished with famine, as some did. While the Rebecca lay there the Dutch sent a ship to take possession of the mouth of the river, but our men got two pieces on shore and would not suffer them to land.

The 2d and 3d of this month fell a snow about knee deep with much wind from the N. and N. E.

Mr. Norton, a Godly man and a preacher in England, coming with his family to the Massachusetts, the ship wherein he was, was by contrary winds, put into Plimouth, where he continued preaching to them all the winter, and altho Mr. Smith their pastor gave over his place that he might have it, and the church used him with all respect, and large offers, &c. yet he left them and came to Massachusetts, alledging that his spirit could not close with them, &c.

The Governor and assistants met at Boston to consider about Mr. Williams, for that they were credibly informed,11 Mo▪ Jan.that notwithstanding the injunction laid upon him (upon the liberty p. 92granted him to stay till the spring) not to go about to draw others to his opinions, did use to entertain company in his house,Mo. 11 and to preach to them even of such points as he had been censured for, and it was agreed to send him into England by a ship then ready to depart. The reason was because he had drawn above twenty persons to his opinion, and they were intended to erect a plantation about the Naragansett Bay, from whence the infection would easily spread into these churches (the people being many of them much taken with the apprehension of his godliness) whereupon a warrant was sent to him to come presently to Boston, to be shipped, &c. He returned answer (and divers of Salem came with it) that he could not come without hazard of his life, &c. whereupon a pinnace was sent with commission to Capt. Underhill, &c. to appr…hend him, and carry him aboard the ship, which then rode at Natascutt, but when they came at his house, they found he had been gone three days before, but whither they could not learn. He had so far prevailed at Salem, as many there (especially of devout women) did embrace his opinions and separated from the churches for this cause, that some of their members going into England did hear the ministers there, and when they came home the churches here held communion with them.

This month one went by land to Connecticut and returned safe.

Mr. Hugh Peters went from place to place labouring both publicly and privately, to raise up men to a public frame of spirit, and so prevailed as he procured a good sum of money to be raised to set on foot the fishing business, to the value of and wrote into England to raise as much more. The intent was to set up a magazine of all provisions and other necessaries for fishing, that men might have things at hand and for reasonable prices, whereas now the merchants and seamen took advantage to sell at most excessive rates, (in many things two for one).

Mr. Batchelor of Sagus was convented before the magistrates. The cause was,—for that coming out of England with a small body of six or seven persons, and having since received in many more at Sagus, and contention growing between him and the greatest part of his church, who had with the rest, received him for their pastor, he desired dismission for himself and his first members which being granted upon supposition that he would leave the town, (as he had given out) he with the said six or seven persons presently removed their old covert, intending to raise another church in Sagus, whereat the rest and chief of the town being offended, for that it would p. 93cross their intentions of calling Mr. Peters or some other minister, they complained to the magistrates who foreseeing the distraction which was …ike to come by this course, had forbidden him to proceed in any such church until the cause were considered by other ministers, &c. But he refused to desist,— whereupon they sent for him, and upon his delay day after day the marshall was sent to fetch him. Upon his appearance and submission and promise to remove out of the town within three months, he was discharged.

Mr. Vane and Mr. Peters finding some distraction in the Commonwealth, arising from some difference in judgment, and withal some alienation of affection among the magistrates and some other person of quality, and that hereby factions began to grow among the people, some adhering more to the old Governor Mr. Winthrop, and others to the late Governor Mr. Dudley; the former carrying matters with more lenity and the latter with more severity, they procured a meeting at Boston of the Governor, deputy, Mr. Cotton. Mr. Hooker, Mr. Wilson, and ther… was present Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley and themselves,—where after the Lord had been sought, Mr. Vane declared the occasion of this meeting (as it is before noted) and the fruit aimed at, viz. a more firm and friendly uniting of minds, and especially of the said Mr. Dudley and Mr. Winthrop, as those upon whom the weight of the affairs did lie, &c. and therefore desired all present to take up resolution to deal freely and openly with the parties, and they each with other, that nothing might be left in their breasts which might break out to any jar or difference hereafter (which they promised to do, Then Mr. Winthrop spake to this effect,—That when it pleased Mr. Vane to acquaint him with what he had observed, of the dispositions of mens minds inclining to the said faction, &c. it was very strange to him▪ professing solemnly that he knew not of any breach between his brother Dudley and himself since they were reconciled long since, neither did he suspect any alienation of affection in him or others, from himself, save that of late he had observed that some new comers had estranged themselves from him since they went to dwell at Newtown, and so desi…ed all the the company that if they had seen any thing amiss in his government or otherwise, they would deal freely and faithfully with him, and for his part he promised to take it in good part, and would endeavour by God's grace to amend in it. Then Mr. Dudley spake to this effect,—That for his part he came thither a mere patient▪ not with any intent to charge his brother Winthrop with any thing, for tho there had been formerly some differences and p. 94breaches between them, yet they had been healed, and for his part he was not willing te renew them again, and so left it to others to utter their own complaint,—Whereupon the Governor Mr. Haynes spake to this effect▪—That Mr. Winthrop and himself had always been in good terms, therefore he was loth to give any offence to him, and he hoped that considering what the end of this meeting was, he would take it in good part if he did deal openly and freely, as his manner ever was. Then he spake of one or two passages wherein he conceived that he had dealt too remissly in point of justice; to which Mr. Winthrop answered, that his speeches and carriage had been in part mistaken, but withal professed that it was his judgment,—that in the infancy of plantations justice should be administered with more lenity than in a settled state, because people were then more apt to transgress, partly of ignorance of new laws and orders, partly through oppression of business and other streights, but if it might be made clear that it was an error, he would be ready to take up a stricter course. Then the ministers were desired to consider of the question by the next morning, and to set down a rule in the case. The next morning they delivered their several reasons which all served to this conclusion, that strict discipline both in criminal offences and in martial affairs, was more needful in plantations than in a settled state, as tending to the honor and safety of the gospel. Whereupon Mr. Winthrop acknowledged that he was convinced that he had failed in over much lenity and remissness, and would endeavour (by God's assistance) to take a more strict course hereafter, whereupon there was a renewal of love amongst them, and articles drawn to this effect.

1. That there should be more strictness used in civil government and military discipline.

2. That the magistrates should, as far as might be, ripen their consultations before hand, that their vote in public might be as the voice of God.

3. That in the meetings out of court, the magistrates should not discuss the business of parties in their presence, nor deliver their opinions, &c.

4. That trivial things, &c. should be ordered in towns.

5. If differences fall out among them in public meetings they shall observe these rules: 1. Not to touch any person differing, but speak to the cause. 2. To express their difference in all modesty and due respect to the court and such as differ, &c. 3. Or to propound their difference by way of question. 4. Or desire a defering of the cause to further time. 5. After sentence (if all have agreed) none shall i…timate his dislike privately, p. 95or if one disent he shall sit down without shewing any further distaste, public or private.

6. The mgistrates shall be more familiar and open each to other, and more frequent in visitations, and shall in tenderness and love admonish one another▪ without reserving any secret grudge, and shall avoid all jealousies and suspicions, each seeking the honor of another, and all, of the court, not opening the nakedness of one another to private persons, in all things seeking the safety and credit of the gospel.

7. To honor the Governor in submitting to him the main direction and ordering the business of the court.

8. One assistant shall not seem to gratify any man in undoing or crossing anothers proceedings without due advice with him.

9. They shall grace and strenthen their under officers in their places, &c.

10. All contempt against the court or any of the magistrates shall be specially noticed and punished, and the magistrates shall appear more solemnly in public with attendence, apparel, and open notice of their entrance into the court.

Mr. Shepard a godly minister, come lately out of England,Mo. 12 1 and divers other good christians, intending to raise a church body, came and acquainted the magistrates therewith, who gave their approbation. They also sent to all the neighbouring churches for their elders to give their assistance at a certain day at Newtown, when they should constitute their body. Accordingly at this day there met a great assembly, where the proceeding was as followeth.

Mr. Shepherd and two others who were after to be chosen to office, sat together in the elders seat; then the elder of them began with prayer, after this Mr. Shepherd prayed with deep confession of sin, &c. and exercised out of Eph. v. that he might make it to himself a holy, &c. and also opened the cause of their meeting. Then the elder desired to know of the churches assembled what number were needful to make a church, and how they ought to proceed in this action. Whereupon some of the ancients ministers confering shortly together gave answer,—That the scripture did not set down any certain rule for the number, three (they thought) were too few, because by Matt. xviii. an appeal was allowed from three, but that seven might be a fit number; and for their proceeding they advised, that such as were to join should make confession of their faith, and declare what work of grace the Lord had wrought in them, which accordingly they did, Mr. Shepherd first, then four others▪ then the elder and one who was to be p. 96deacon (who had also prayed) and another member; then the covenant was read, and they all gave a solemn assent to it. Then the elder desired of the churches,Mo. 12. that if they did approve them to be a church, they would give them the right hand of fellowship. Whereupon Mr. Cotton (upon short speech with some other near him) in the name of the churches, gave his hand to the elder, with a short speech of their assent, and desired the peace of the Lord's presence to be with them. Then Mr. Shepherd made an exhortation to the rest of his body about the nature of their covenant, and to stand firm to it, and commended them to the Lord in a most heavenly prayer, Then the elder told the assembly that they were intended to choose Mr. Shepherd for their pastor (by the name of the brother who had exercised) and desired the churches that if they had any thing to except against him, they would impart it to them before the day of ordination. Then he gave the churches thanks for their assistance, and so left them to the Lord.

At the last general court it was refered to the military commissioners to appoint colours for each company, who did accordingly, and left out the cross in all of them, appointing the King's arms to be put into that of Castle Island, and Boston to be the first company.

Mr. John Maverick teacher of the church of Dorchester died,… being near 60 years of age. He was a man of a very humble spirit and faithful in furthering the work of the Lord here both in the churches and civil state.

24.Mr. Winslow of Plimouth came to treat with those of Dorchester about their land at Connecticut, which they had taken from them. It being doubtful whether that place was within our patent or not; the Plimouth men about three years … had treaty with us about joining in erecting a plantatio… and trade there. We thought not fit to do any thing then, but gave them leave to go on. Whereupon they bought a portion of land of the Indians, and built a house there, and the Dorchester men (without their leave) were now setting down their town in the same place▪ but after, they desired to agree with them; for which end Mr. Wilson came to treat with them, and demanded one sixteenth part of their lands, and 100l. which those of Dorchester not consenting unto, they brake off, those of Plimouth expecting to have due recompence after by course of justice, if they went on. But divers resolved to quit the place if they could not agree with those of Plimouth.

25The distractions about the churches of Salem and Sagus, and the removal of other churches, and the great scarcity of corn, &c. occasioned a general fast to be proclaimed, which▪ p. 97because the court was not at hand,1636. was moved by the elders of the churches, and assented unto by the ministers. Th… church of Boston renewed their covenant this day, and made a large explanation of that which they had at first entered into, and acknowledged such failings as had fallen out, &c.

A man's servant in Boston,Mo. 1.8 having stolen from his master, and being threatened to be brought before the magistrates, went and hanged himself. Herein three things are observable. 1. That he was a very profane fellow, given to cursing, &c. and did use to go out of the assembly upon the Lord's day to rob his master. 2. The manner of his death, being with a small codline, and his knees touching the flour of the chamber, and one coming in when he was scarce dead (who was a maid and while she went to call out, he was past recovery). 3. His discontent▪ arising from the long time he was to serve his master (though he were well used). The same day came a letter from his father out of the Bermuda, with money to buy out his time.

The Rebecca came from Bermuda with thirty thousand weight of potatoes, and store of oranges and lemons, which were a great relief to our people; but their corn was sold to the W. Indies three months before. Potatoes were bought for a …. and sold here for 2d. the pound.

Some occasion of difference had fallen out between the church of Charlstown and Mr. James their pastor.11. The teacher Mr. Simes and the most of the brethren had taken offence at divers speeches of his, he being a very melancholic man, and full of causeless jealousies, &c. for which they had dealt with him both privately and publicly; but receiving no satisfaction, they wrote to all the neighbouring churches for their advice and help in the case, who sending chosen men (most elders) they met there this day, and finding the pastor very faulty, yet because they had not proceeded with him in a due order (for of the two witnesses produced, one was the accusor) they advised, that if they could not comfortably close, himself and such as stood on his part (if they would) should desire dismission, which should be granted them, for avoiding extremities, but if he persisted. &c. the church should cast him out.

Mr. Allerton returned in his pinnace from the French at Penobscott,30. his bark was cast upon an Island and beat p. 98out her keel and so lay ten days, yet he got help from Pemaquid, and mended her and brought her home.

Mr. Withe…s in a vessel of 50 tons, going to Virginia, was cast away upon Long Island with a W.N.W, wind; the company (being about 30) were most of them very profane persons, and in their voyage did much reproach our colony, vowing they would hang, drown, or &c. before they would come hither again. Seven were drowned in landing, some got, in a boat, to the dutch plantation: two were killed by the Indians, who took all such goods as they left on shore. Those who escaped went towards Virginia in a dutch bark, and were never heard of after, but were thought to be wrecked by some dutch pails, &c. found by the Indians thereabouts.

Mo. 2.11Mr. Mather and others of Dorchester, intending to begin a new church there (a great part of the old one being gone to Connecticut) desired the approbation of the other churches and of the magistrates, and accordingly they assembled this day, and after some of them had given proof of their gifts, they made confession of their faith which was approved of; but proceeding to manifest the work of God's grace in themselves, the churches by their elders, and the magistrates, &c. thought them not meet at present to be the foundation of a church, and thereupon they were content to forbear to join 'till further consideration. The reason was for that most of them (Mr. Mather and one more excepted) had burdened their comfort of salvation upon unsound grounds. viz. Some upon dreams and ravishes of spirit by fits; others upon the reformation of their lives; others upon duties and performances, &c. wherein they discovered three special errors. 1. That they had not come to hate sin because it was filthy, but only left it because it was hurtful. 2. That by reason of this they had never truly closed with Christ (or rather Christ with them) but had made use of him only to help the imperfection of their sanctification and duties, and not made him their sanctification, wisdom, &c. 3. They expected to believe by some power of their own, and not only and wholy from Christ.

Those of Dorchester who had removed their cattle to Connecticut before winter, lost the greatest part of them this winter▪ yet some which came late and could not be put over the river, lived very well all the winter without any hay. The people also were put to great streights for want of provisions: they eat acorns and malt and grains; they lost near £.1000 worth of cattle.

p. 99At a general court it was ordered that a certain number of the magistrates should be chosen for life. The reason was, for that it was shewed from the …rd of God, &c. that the principal magistrates ought to be for life▪ Accordingly the 25th of the 3d Mo. John Winthro… and Thomas Dudley were chosen to this place, and Henry Vane by his place of Governorship was President of this council for his year. It was likewise ordered that quarter courts should be kept in several places for ease of the people, and in regard of the streights of victuals, the remote towns should send their votes by proxy to the court of elections; and that no church should be allowed that was gathered without the consent of the churches and the magistrates.

Mr. Benjamin's house burnt and £.100 in goods lost.

The Charity of Dartmouth of 120 tons arrived here laden with provisions.12 She came in with a strong N.W. wind, and was in great danger to have been lost between Allerton point and Natascott, but the Lord in mercy to his people, delivered her after she had struck twice and upon the cliff. Mr. Peters bought all the provisions at 50 in the 100, which saved the country £.200 and distributed them to all the towns as each town needed,

The church of Salem was still infested with Mr. Williams his opinions, so as most of them held it unlawful to hear in the ordinary assemblies in England, because their foundation was antichristian, and we should, by hearing, hold communion with them; and some went so far as they were ready to separate from the church upon it. Whereupon the church sent two brethren and a letter to the elders of the other churches for their advice in three points. 1. Whether, for satisfying the weak, they might promise not to hear in any false church—this was not thought safe, because then they would draw them to the like towards the other churches here, who were all of opinion that it was lawful, and that hearing was not holding communion. 2. If they were not better, to grant the… dismission to be a church by themselves. This was also opposed, for that it was not a remedy of God's ordering; neither would the magistrates allow them to be a church, being but three men and eight women; besides it were dangerous to raise churches upon such grounds. 3. Whether they ought then to excommunicate them if they did withdraw. This was granted, yet withall, that if they did not withdraw or run into contempt, they ought in p. 100these matters of difference of opinion in things not fundamental nor scandalous, &c. to bear each with other.

Mr. Peters preaching at Boston, made an earnest request to the church for things.Mo. 3▪15 1. That they would spare their teacher Mr. Cotton, for a time, that he might go through the bible and raise marginal notes upon all the knotty places of the scripture. 2. That a new book of might be made, to begin where the other had left. 3. That a form of church government might be drawn according to the scripture. 4. That they would take order for employment of people, especially women and children, in the winter time, for he feared that idleness would be the vice both … church and commonwealth.

Here arived a …ip called the St. Patrick, belonging to Sir Thomas Wentworth, Deputy of Ireland, one Palmer master. When she came near Castle Island, the Lieutenant of the fort went aboard her, and made her strike her flag, which the master took as a great injury, and complained of it to the magistrates, who calling the Lieutenant before them, heard the cause, and declared to the master that he had no commission so to do. And because he had made them strike to the fort (which had then no colours aboard) they tendred the master such satisfaction as he desired, which was only this, that the Lieutenant aboard their ship, should acknowledge his error, that so all the ships company might receive satisfaction, lest the Deputy should have been informed that we had offered that dis-courtesy to his ship, which we had never offered … any before.

25Henry Vane, Esq. before mentioned, was chosen Governor, and because he was son and heir to a privy counsellor in England, the ships congratulated his election with a volley of great shot. The next week he invit… all the masters (there were 15 great ships) to dinner. After they had dined he propounded three things to them▪ 1. That all ships which should come after this year, should come to an anchor before they came at the fort, except they did send their boat before and did satisfy the commander that they were friends. 2. That before they offered any goods to sale they would deliver an invoice▪ and give the Governor, &c. 24 hours liberty to refuse▪ &c. 3. That their men might not stay on shore (except upon necessary business) after sunset. These things they willingly condescended unto.

Mr. Hooker, pastor of the church of Newtown, and p. 101the rest of his congregation, went to Connecticut: his wife was carried in a horse litter, and they drove …60 cattle, and fed of their milk by the way.

The last winter Capt. Mason died. He was the chief mover in all attempts against us, and was to have sent the General Governor, and for this end was providing shipping. But the Lord in mercy taking him away, all the business fell on sleep, so as ships came and brought what and whom they would, without any question or controul.

Divers of the ships this spring, both out of the Downs and from Holland, came in five weeks. Mr. Ball his ship went from hence to England the 16th of January, and saw land there in 18 days.

One Miller, master's ma…e in the Hector, spake to some of our people aboard his ship, that because we had not the King's colours at our fort, we were all traitors and robbers, &c. The Governor sent for the master, Mr. Ferne, and acquainted him with it, who promised to deliver him to us: whereupon we sent the marshall and four serjeants to the ship for him, but the master not being aboard, they would not deliver him; whereupon the master went himself and brought him to the court, and the words being proved against him by two witnesses, he was committed. The next day the master to pacify his men who were in a great tumult, requested he might be delivered to him, and did undertake to bring him before us again the day after, which was granted him, and he brought him to us at the time appointed. Then in the presence of all the rest of the masters, he acknowledged his offence, and set his hand to a submission, and was discharged. Then the Governor desired the masters that they would deal freely, and tell us if they did take any offence, and what they required of us. They answered, that in regard they should be examined upon their return, what colours they saw here, they did desire that the King's colours might be suspended at our fort. It was answered that we had not the King's colours. Thereupon two of them did offer them freely to us. We replied, that for our part▪ we were fully persuaded that the cross in the ensign was idolatrous, and therefore might not set it in our ensign, but because the fort was the King's, and maintained in his name, we thought that his own colours might be suspended there, so the Governor accepted the colours of Capt. Palmer, and promised they should be set up at Castle Island. p. 102We had conferred over night with Mr. Cotton, &c. about the point. The Governor, and Mr. Dudley and Mr. Cotton, were of opinion, that they might be set up at the fort upon this distinction, that it was maintained in the King's name. Others not being so persuaded, answered, that the Governor and Mr. Dudley, being two of the council, and being persuaded of the lawfulness, &c. might use their power to set them up: some others being not so persuaded, could not join in the act, yet would not oppose, as being doubtful, &c.

Mo. 5.2The Governor, &c. went to Salem. Many ships being ready at Natascott to set sail, Mr. Peters went down and preached aboard the Hector, and the ships going forth met with an East wind, which put them in again, whereupon he stayed and kept the sabbath with them.

5Mr. Buckly, and Mr. Jones, two English ministers, appointed this day to gather a church at Newtown, to settle at Concord. They sent word three days before, to the Governor and Deputy, to desire their presence, but they took it in ill part, aed thought not fit to go, because they had not come to them before, to acquaint them with their purpose.

20Jo. Gallop with one man more, and two little boys comming from Connecticut in a bark of 20 tons, intending to put in at Long Island to trade, and being near the mouth of the harbour, was forced by a sudden change of the wind, to bear up for Block Island or Fishers Island, lying before Naragansett, where they espied a small pinnace, which drawing near unto they found to be Mr. Oldham's (an old planter, and a member of Watertown congregation, who had been long out a trading, having with him only two English boys, and two Indians of Naragansett) so they hailed them, but had no answer, and the deck was full of Indians (14 in all) and a canoe was gone from her full of Indians and goods: whereupon they suspected they had killed Jo. Oldham, and the rather because the Indians let slip and set sail, being two miles from shore, and the wind and tide being off the shore of the Island, whereby they drove toward the main at Naragansett. Whereupon they went ahead of them, and having but two pieces and two pistols, and nothing but duck shot, they bear up near the Indians, who stood ready armed with guns, pikes and swords, and let fly among them, and so galled them that they all got under hatches. Then they stood off again, and returning with a good p. 103gale, they stemed her upon the quarter and almost overset her, which so frightened the Indians as six of them leaped overboard and were drowned: yet they durst not board her, but stood off again▪ and fitted their anchor, so as stemming her the second time, they bored her boom through with their anchor, and so sticking fast to her, they made divers shot through her (being but inch board) and so raked her fore and aft, as they must needs kill or hurt some of the Indians, but seeing none of them come forth, they got loose from her and stood off again, then four or five of the Indians leaped into the sea and were likewise drowned; so there being now but four left in her, they boarded her▪ whereupon one Indian came up and yielded; him they bound and put into the hold, then another yielded, whom they bound, but Jo. Gallop being well acquainted with their skill to untie themselves, if two of them were together, and having no place to keep them assunder, he threw him bound into the sea, and looking about, they found Jo. Oldham under an old seine, his head cleft to the brains, and his hands and legs cut as if they had been cutting them off, and yet warm, so they put him into the sea, but could not get to the other two Indians who were in a little room underneath with their swords, so they took the goods which were left, and the sails, and towed the boat away, but night coming on, and the wind rising, they were forced to turn her off, and the wind carried her to the Naragansett shore,

The two Indians which were with Mr. Oldham,26 and one other came from Canonicus the chief sachem of Naragansett, with a letter from Mr. Williams to the Governor, to certify him what had befallen Mr. Oldham, and how grievously they were afflicted, and that Miantonimoh was gone with 17 canoes and 20 men to take revenge. But upon examination of the Indian who was brought prisoner to us, we found that all the sachems of the Naragansett, except Conanicus and Miantonimoh, were the contrivers of Mr. Oldham's death; and the occasion was because he went to make peace and trade with tha Pekods last year, as is before related. The prisoner said also, that Mr. Oldham's two Indians were acquainted with it: but because they were sent as messengers from Conanicus, we would not imprison them. But the Governor wrote back to Mr. Williams to let the Naragansett's know that we expected they should send us the two boys, and take revenge upon the Islanders, and withal gave Mr. Williams p. 104a caution to look to himself if we should have occasion to make war upon the Naragansetts, for Block Island was under them.28 And the next day he wrote to Canonicus by one of those two Indians, and that he had suspicion of him, yet he had sent him back because he was a messenger, but did expect that if he should send for the said two Indians, he should send them to us to clear themselves.

30Mr. Oldham's two boys were sent home by one of Miantinomoh his men, with a letter from Mr. Williams, signifying that Miantonimoh had caused the sachem of Niantick to send to Block Island for them; and that he had near 100 fathom of wampom and other goods of Mr. Oldham's, which should be reserved for us, and that three of the seven which were drowned were sachems, and one of the two which were hired by the sachem of Niantick, was dead also. So we wrote back to him to have the rest of those which were accessory, to be sent to us, and the rest of the goods, and that he should tell Conanicus and Miantonimoh, that we held them innocent, but that six other under sachems were guilty.

Samuel Maverick, who had been in Virginia near twelve months,Mo. 6.3 now returned with two pinnaces, and brought 14 heifers, and about 80 goats (having lost about 20 goats by the way) one of his pinnaces was about 40 tons, of cedar, built at … and brought to Virginia by Capt. Powell, who there dying, she was sold for a small matter. There died in Virginia (by his relation) this last year, above 1800, and corn was there at twenty shillings the bushel, the most of the people having lived a great time of nothing but purslain, &c. It is very strange what was related by him and many others, that above 60 miles up James river, they dig no where but they find the ground full of oyster shells, and fishes bones, &c. yet he affirmed that he saw the bone of a whale taken out of the earth (where they digged a well) 18 feet deep.

8Lieut. Edward Gibbons, and John Higginson, with Cutsha…ckin the sagamore of Massachusetts, were sent to Canonicus, to treat with him about the murder of Jo. Oldham. 13th. They returned, being very well accepted and good success in their business.13 They observed in the sachem much state, great command over his men, and marvelous wisdom in his answers, and the carriage of the whole treaty, clearing himself and his neighbours of the p. 105murder, and offering assistance for revenge of it, yet upon very safe and wary conditions.

The Governor and Council having lately assembed the rest of the magistrates and ministers,25 to advise with them about doing justice upon the Indians for the death of Mr. Oldham, and all agreeing that it should be attempted with expedition, did this day send forth 90 men, distributed to four commanders, Capt. John Underhill, Capt. Nathaniel Turner, ensign Jenyson, and ensign Davenport, and over them all as General, Jo. Endicott, Esq. one of the assistants was sent. They were embarked in three pinnaces, and carried two shallops and two Indians with them. They had commission to put to death the men of Block Island, but to spare the women and children, and to bring them away and to take possession of the Island. From thence to go to the Pequods to demand the murderers of Capt. Stone, and other English, and 1,000 fathom of wampom for damages, and some of their children for hostages, which if they should refuse, they were to obtain it by force. No man was impressed for this service, but all went volunteers.

Miantonomoh sachem of Naragansett,26 sent a messenger to us, with a letter from Mr. Williams, to signify to us that they had taken one of the Indians who had broken prison, and was escaped away, and had him safe for us when we would send for him (we had before sent to him for that end) and the other being also of Block Island, he had sent away, not knowing, as it seemed, that he had been our prisoner, according to their promise that they would not entertain any of that Island which should come to them. But we conceived it was rather in love to him, for he had been his servant formerly. We sent for the two Indians, one was sent us, the other was dead before the messengers came.

A ship of 120 tons was built at Marblehead and called the Desire.

At a general court a levy was made of £.1200 to pay the country's debts.7ber. 8

The trade of beaver and wampom was to be farmed, and all others restrained from trading.

A new church was gathered at Dorchester,23 with approbation of the magistrates and elders, &c.

John Endicott, Esq. and four Captains under him,24 with 20 men a piece, set sail. They arrived at Block Island the last of the same. The wind blowing hard at N.E. there p. 106went so great a surf as they had much to do to land; and about 40 Indians were ready upon the shore to entertain them with their arrows, which they shot off at our men, but being armed with croslets, they had no hurt, only one was lightly hurt upon his neck, and another near his feet. So soon as our men were leaped on shore, they fled. The Island is about ten miles long, and four broad, full of small hills, and all overgrown with brush wood of oak, no good timber on it; so as they could not march but one file and in the narrow paths. There were two plantations three miles in sunder, and about 60 wigwams, some very large and fair and about 200 acres of corn, some gathered and laid on heaps, and the rest standing. When they spent two days in searching the Island and could not find the Indians, they burnt the wigwams and all their matts and some corn, and staved seven canoes and departed. They could not tell what men they killed, but some were wounded and carried away by their fellows. Then they went to the mouth of Connecticut where they lay, wind-bound four days, and taking thence 20 men and two shallops, they sailed to the Pequot harbour, where an Indian came to them in a canoe, and demanded what they were and what they would have. The general told him he came from the governor of Massachusetts, to speak with their sachems. He told him Sassacus was gone to Long-Island. Then he bad him go tell the other sachem…, and so he departed, and in the mean time our men landed, but with much danger, if the Indians had made use of their advantage, for all the shore was high ragged rocks. Then the messenger returned, and the Indians began to gather about our men 'till there were about 300 of them, and some four hours had passed while the messenger went to and fro, bringing still excuses for the sachems not coming; at length the General told the messenger and the rest of the Indians near, the particulars of his commission, and sent him to tell the sachem if he would not come to him, nor yield to those demands, he would fight with them. The messenger told him the sachem would meet him, if our men would lay down their arms, as his men should their bows. When the General saw they did but dally to gain time, he bid them be gone and shift for themselves, for they had dared the English to come fight with them, and now they were come for that purpose. Whereupon they all withdrew—Some of our men would have made a shot at them, but the General would not suffer them: but p. 107when they were gone out of musket shot he marched after them supposing they would have stood to it a while, as they did to the Dutch; but they all fled and shot at our men from the thickets and rocks, but did us no harm. Two of them our men killed, and hurt others. So they marched up to their town and burnt all their wigwams and matts, but their corn being standing, they could not spoil it. At night they returned to their vessels, and the next day they went a shore on the west side of the river and burnt all their wigwams and spoiled their canoes, and so set sail and came to the Naragansett where they landed their men, and the 14th of September they ca… all safe to Boston, which was a marvellous providence of God, that not a hair fell from the head of any of them, nor any sick or feeble person among them. As they came by Naragansett, Cutshamakin an Indian who went with them for an interpreter, who being armed with a croslet and a piece, had crept into a Swamp and killed a Pequot, and having flead off the skin of his head, he sent it to Canonicus, who presently sent it to all the sachems about him, and returned many thanks to the English, and sent four fathom of wampom to Cutshamakin.

The soldiers who went were all volunteers and had only their victuals provided, but demanded no pay. The whole charge of the voyage came to about 200l. The seamen had all wages.

The Naragansett men told us after, that 13 of the Pequots were killed, and 40 wounded; and but one of Block Island killed.

At the last general court order was taken to restrain the trade with the Indians, and the Governor and Council appointed to lett it to farm, for a rent to be paid to the treasury.

The inhabitants of Boston, who had taken their farms and lots at mount Woollaston▪ finding it very burdensome to have their business so far off, desired to gather a church there; many meetings were about it. The great lett was, in regard it was given to Boston for upholding the town and church there, which end would be frustrated by the removal of so many chief men as would go thither. For helping of this it was propounded that such as dwelt there, should pay six pence the acre yearly for such land as lay within a mile of the water, and three pence for that which law further off.

A ship of Barnstable arrived here with 80 heifers. Another p. 108from Bristol arrived a fortnight after, with some cattle, and passengers at Pis-cat: for Sir Ferdinand Gorges his plantation at Aquawaticus.

Canonicus sent us word of some English whom the Pequods had killed at Say-Brook, and Mr. Williams wrote that the Pequods and Naragansetts were at war, and that Miantonomoh told him that the Pequods had laboured to persuade them that the English were minded to destroy all the Indians. Whereupon we sent for Miantonomoh to come to us.

Another windmill was erected at Boston, and one at Charlestown, and a watermill at Salem, another at Ipswich, and another at Newbury.

After Mr. Endicott and our men were departed from the Pequod, the 20 men of Say-brook lay wind-bound there, and went to fetch some of the Indians corn, and having fetched every man one sack full to their boat they returned for more, and having loaded themselves, the Indians set upon them, so they laid down their corn and gave fire upon them, and the Indians shot arrows at them. The place was open for the distance of musket shot, and the Indians kept the covert, save when they ran forth about ten at a time, and discharged their arrows. The English put themselves into a single file, and some ten only (who had pieces that could reach them) shot, and the others stood ready to keep them from breaking in upon our men. So they continued the most part of the afternoon. Our men killed some of them (as they supposed) and hurt others; and they shot only one of ours, and he was armed, all the rest being without arm…. He was shot thro' the legs. Their arrows were all shot compass, so as our men standing single, could easily see and avoid them, and one was employed to gather up their arrows; at last they emptied their sacks, and retired safe to their boat.

About two days after five men of Say-brook, went up the river about four miles to fetch hay in a meadow on Pequot side; the grass was so high as some Pequots being hid in it, set upon our men, and one that had hay on his back they took, the others fled to their boat, one of them having five arrows in him (but yet recovered). He who was taken was a godly young man, called Butterfield (whereupon the meadow was named Butterfield meadow)—About fourteen days after, six of Say-brook being sent to keep the house in their cornfield about two miles from the fort, three of them went forth on fowling p. 109(which the Lieut. had strictly forbidden them) two had pieces, and the third only a sword. Suddenly about 100 Indians rose out of the covert and shot upon them, the man who had the sword broke thro' them, and received only two shot, not dangerous, and escaped to the house, which was not a bow shot off, and persuaded the other two to follow him, but they stood still 'till the Indians came and took them, and carried them away with their pieces: soon after they burnt down the said house and some o…thouses and haystacks within a bow shot of the fort, and killed a cow and shot divers others, but they all came home with the arrows in them.

Miantonomoh the sachem of Naragansett, being sent for by the Governor,8ber. 21 came to Boston with two of Canonicus' sons and another sachem and near 20 sanops. Cutshamakin gave us notice the day before. The Governor sent 20 musketteers to meet him at Roxbury; he came to Boston about noon. The Governor had called together most of the magistrates and ministers, to give countenance to our proceedings, and to advise with them about the terms of peace. It was dinner time and the sachems and their council dined by themselves in the same room where the Governor dined, and their sanops were sent to the inn. After dinner, Miantonomoh declared what he had to say to us in propositions which were to this effect. That they had always loved the English and desired firm peace with us—That they would continue in war with the Pequods and their confederates 'till they were subdued, and desired we should so do—They would deliver our enemies to us, or kill them—That if any of theirs should kill our cattle, that we would not kill them▪ but cause them to make satisfaction—That they would now make a firm peace, and two months hence they would send us a present. The Governor told them they should have answer the next morning.